Viniou Reviews
Château Saint Cosme’s Le Claux 2017 is a distinguished red from the Gigondas AOC in the southern Rhône Valley, crafted primarily from old-vine Grenache. This cuvée, sourced from a single historic parcel planted on gravelly Miocene limestone, showcases the unique character of Le Claux's terroir. Aged in a mix of new and used barrels, Le Claux delivers a complex bouquet of ripe black fruits, garrigue, crushed stones, and subtle notes of pepper and spice, reflecting both meticulous vinification and respect for the vineyard’s old vines, some dating back to 1870. The 2017 vintage in the Rhône was marked by warmth and low yields, leading to densely concentrated wines with excellent structure and ageing potential.
Gigondas, frequently dubbed the “little brother” to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sits beneath the dramatic Dentelles de Montmirail. Its Mediterranean climate affords hot, sunny days counterbalanced by cooling mistral winds that help grapes achieve ripeness while retaining freshness. The soils combine limestone, marl, and alluvial stones, fostering wines of both depth and minerality. With a deep-rooted wine history dating to Roman times, Gigondas has earned its reputation for powerful yet nuanced reds that express the rugged beauty of this southern Rhône landscape.
Le Claux’s full body and refined tannic structure make it an exceptional match for robust dishes. Consider pairing it with slow-cooked lamb shoulder herbed with rosemary and thyme, or a classic daube provençale rich in olives and orange zest, drawing on the region’s culinary traditions. Aged cheeses like a mature Comté or Tomme de Savoie will also make elegant companions.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its intricate aromas to unfurl. Serve at 16-18°C to best reveal its complexity and supple texture. This wine possesses remarkable ageing capacity, rewarding those who choose to cellar it for several more years.
